SEIA Chief Abigail Ross Hopper Announces Departure in 2026 After Transformative Nine-Year Leadership

Leadership Transition Announced

Abigail Ross Hopper, the influential president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), will step down from her position on January 30, 2026, according to her recent announcement. Sources indicate that Hopper has led the organization for nearly nine years, during which time she has overseen remarkable growth in the U.S. solar and storage industry.

Leadership Transition Announced
Transformative Industry Growth
Policy Achievements and Industry Development
Beyond Market Metrics: Building a Sustainable Industry
Strong Foundation for Future Leadership
Gratitude and Future Outlook

Transformative Industry Growth

Under Hopper’s leadership, analysts suggest the solar industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. When she assumed leadership in 2017, reports indicate the United States had approximately 36 gigawatts of solar capacity. Industry data now shows this has expanded to more than 255 gigawatts, representing a sevenfold increase during her tenure.

The residential solar sector experienced particularly strong growth, according to the report. Sources indicate the number of residential solar customers grew from just over 1 million in 2017 to more than 5.5 million today. Additionally, the report states that U.S. solar manufacturing climbed from 14th to 3rd place globally during this period.

Policy Achievements and Industry Development

Industry observers suggest that this growth resulted from strategic policy engagement and industry development initiatives. According to reports, SEIA under Hopper’s leadership navigated numerous policy challenges, including trade cases and tax debates, while securing historic policy victories at multiple government levels.

“The growth we’ve experienced over the years is a result of our collective grit and determination,” Hopper stated in her announcement. Analysts suggest these policy achievements have established a foundation for continued industry expansion for decades to come.

Beyond Market Metrics: Building a Sustainable Industry

While market growth represents a significant achievement, sources indicate Hopper’s leadership extended beyond capacity numbers. According to industry reports, SEIA focused on building a more sustainable, inclusive, and accountable industry through various initiatives.

These efforts reportedly included the Solar Sisters program, establishment of the Solar and Storage Industries Institute, expansion into storage advocacy, and the development of industry standards. The organization’s work on supply chain ethics, land use considerations, recycling programs, and consumer protection standards demonstrated the industry’s commitment to responsible growth, according to analysts.

Strong Foundation for Future Leadership

Despite recent industry challenges, reports suggest SEIA remains in a strong position for leadership transition. Hopper’s announcement emphasized that the organization is “stronger than ever, led by an extraordinary team and a deeply engaged board.”

Industry watchers suggest the solar and storage industry possesses the talent, technology, and market conditions necessary to continue its growth trajectory. The timing of the announcement provides approximately 15 months for a smooth leadership transition, according to organizational experts.

Gratitude and Future Outlook

In her statement, Hopper expressed appreciation for SEIA’s 1,200 member companies, colleagues, and industry partners. She characterized her departure not as a goodbye but as a “handoff,” indicating her continued support for the industry’s future success.

The upcoming leadership change at one of the renewable energy sector’s most influential organizations comes as the industry continues to expand its role in America’s energy economy. According to industry analysts, Hopper’s tenure has positioned SEIA and the broader solar industry for continued success as they work toward delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy nationwide.